Horizon Weekly – More than 10,000 people marched in Montreal on May 8 in honour of victims of all genocides of the 20th century. The March for Humanity and Prevention of Genocide (M4H) as held to raise awareness and prevent such atrocities from taking place again in the future.
“One hundred and one years after the Armenian Genocide, we continue to witness horrors around the world. Today, thousands march to raise awareness on the genocides and crimes against humanity of the 20th century,” declared Hrag Jinjian, Chair of the Armenian Genocide Commemoration Committee of Quebec. “It is our duty, as victims but also that of every Quebecer, to fight denial, fight indifference, and force governments into action where help is needed.”
The M4H began at Cabot Square with participants walking towards the Quartier des Spectacles along Sainte-Catherine Street. Among the many participants attending were political figures, including Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage, Christine St-Pierre, Quebec Minister of International Relations and La Francophonie, and former Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism and Minister of Defense, Honourable Jason Kenney as well as ambassadors, foreign diplomats as well as representatives of Montreal and Laval mayors.
This year event was organized in collaboration with MIGS – Montreal Institute for Genocide and human rights Studies, AGAR (Alliance for Genocide Awareness and Remembrance), CIJA (Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs) and Amnesty International Canada. Returning community participants included members of the Jewish, Rwandan Tutsi, Cambodian, Ukrainian, Assyrian, Lebanese, and Pontian Greeks.